Miss Universe showcases not only beautiful women around the world but also masterpieces of fashion designers. This year, nine delegates donned evening gowns that are proudly Pinoy during the preliminary round in New Orleans, USA. These are as follows:
R’Bonney Gabriel (USA)
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The Filipino-American Miss USA 2022 titleholder R’Bonney Gabriel wore a Rian Fernandez dress in magenta, featuring a detachable oversized cape shawl. Fernandez has designed for Miss Universe contestants for several years, is part of the Council of ASEAN Fashion designers, and is one of the most-awarded Filipino designers!
Manita Hang (Cambodia)
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Rian Fernandez also designed the evening gown for Cambodia’s Manita Hang: a combination of a blue suit and sheer purple skirt. According to the Miss Universe Cambodia Organization, the dress represents royalty and serenity.
Alicia Faubel (Spain)
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The red evening gown worn by Spain’s Alicia Faubel, on the other hand, was the work of Pinoy fashion designer Ehrran Montoya. Based in San Juan City, he says that his creation is inspired by flamenco–an art form based on various musical traditions of Spain. ICYMI, Miss Universe Spain used to live in the Philippines as a student and model, which is probably why Filipino is one of the languages that she speaks. Meanwhile, Montoya is a Far Eastern University (FEU) fine arts graduate who was the associate designer and creative director of Francis Libiran before starting his own line in June 2021.
Alexandrine Belle-Etoile (Mauritius)
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Mauritius’ Alexandrine Belle-Etoile presented an embellished lavender gown with a sweetheart neckline by US-based Pinoy fashion designer Carl Andrada, who is known for promoting Davao’s banana fabric. Andrada previously used this fabric called MUSA for a photo shoot with Miss Universe Mauritius 2020 Vandana Jeetah, who also sported his creations in the pageant.
Gabriella Gonthier (Seychelles)
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Also in a Carl Andrada gown is Seychelles’ Gabriella Gonthier! Seychelles returns to the Miss Universe pageant this year after two decades of absence with Gonthier as their representative. On her way to New Orleans, she wore an eco-friendly MUSA ensemble that’s also by Andrada. In the prelims, she wore a golden gown with a sky-high slit sprinkled with hand-sewn crystals.
Evlin Khalifa (Bahrain)
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Based in Dubai, Furne One Amato designed an outfit for Bahrain’s Evlin Khalifa who strutted in a sparkly custom Hijab gown. ICYMI, the couturier is another award-winning Filipino designer who opened the Arab Fashion Week Menswear with a 30-piece collection by his label, Amato Couture, in January last year.
Maxine Formosa Gruppetta (Malta)
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Malta’s Maxine Formosa Gruppetta wore a yellow crystallized gown which is part of the Louis Pangilinan Fashion Empire collection inspired by women’s passions and desires. The Laguna-based designer also created gowns for Miss Earth USA – Eco Emma Loney and Miss Earth USA – Fire Angel Strong. Pangilinan also gave birth to the iconic “lucky green gown” worn by Miss Eco Teen International 2020 Ro-An Tamondong, Miss Philippines Earth 2021 Naelah Alshorbaji, and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.
Noky Simbani (Great Britain)
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Two of Louis Pangilinan‘s masterpieces were featured in this year’s pageant. For Great Britain’s Noky Simbani, the Filipino designer crafted a handmade Viva Magenta body-hugging halter gown that signifies women’s empowerment.
Celeste Cortesi (Philippines)
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Of course, Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi wore an evening gown at the competition by one of our own. Los Angeles-based fashion designer Oliver Tolentino designed a custom sky blue gown specially made for our bet, Celeste, whose name means “heavenly” or “sky blue” in Italian. Tolentino also designed her Darna-inspired national costume.
These candidates are among the 80-plus beautiful women who will compete at the 71st Miss Universe Competition. Hosted by Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Miss Universe 2022 will be held on January 14, 2023 (January 15, 8 a.m. in PH time).
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